Photographer Sophie Gamand, whose incredible work we’ve previously posted, has created “Dog Pageant” a portrait series focused around adorable dogs all dressed up for a lavish 2013 doggie pageant, in which “doggie moms” entered their pups in a competition measuring active wear, talent and evening wear.

The “Doggie moms” are women (and sometimes men) carrying dressed up toy dogs in purses everywhere they go. Through their dogs, they meet regularly, often for animal-related charity events, and for each occasion have their dog wear hundreds of dollars in bedazzled outfits. Pet fashion designers and Pet stylists have emerged, to provide this crowd with always more garments and accessories. It is a thriving business where designers compete, and the Doggie Moms, sometimes acting like Stage Moms, would do anything to see their dogs in the spotlight.